Linux, Laptops, Hard drives

[Pendejo0]

I've been trying to install ubuntu mate in place of windows 7 on my Dell Latitude e6510.

Ubuntu wasn't detecting my drive through, and in the process of changing the SATA settings in the bios, and doing windows updates, I think I broke Windows for good.

That would be ok, if I could find some way to format the hard drive so that Ubuntu was detecting it. Is that possible, in this situation?

I was also thinking of buying a SSD. If I did, I would ask for some help in picking out the right one that would work with my laptop and Ubuntu!

 

[drtweak]

Did you change the AHCI/SATA settings? IF you switched form AHCI to SATA or visa verso that would break windows (Well usually going from SATA to AHCI

 

[Pendejo0]

Yup, I tried all 4 of the settings. Disabled, ATA, AHCI and RAID I think they were. From what I read, linux has problems with RAID which was the default.

Now when I boot, windows goes straight to system restore, which crashes with "error 1" and then reboots. Never ending cycle.

 

[Pendejo0]

So, is the drive fubar, for all intents and purposes?

 

[drtweak]

So when you set it back to RAID it still doesn't boot?

 

[Pendejo0]

Right

 

[drtweak]

Well as far as SSD's go they should all work (As long as it isn't a SAS SSD but those are $$$$$$), just depends on size and price. Samsung's are the hot stuff right now. I had a testing machine for hardware encryption (The Samsung's 840/850 has hardware encryption and is actually encrypted all the time but you have to have a BIOS that support HDD Passwords or use software that uses the Hardware Encryption) and I installed server 2012 standard on it, all services setup (Domain, VPN, DHCP, etc) on an i5 4670 and 4Gb of ram. Restarts in a little over 15 seconds. that is from I hit restart to Here is the login screen AND that was with bitlocker encryption turned on so yes they are wicked fast.

Now if you really don't care about windows then we can just ignore that. If you want to fix it first let me know we can see what to do.

Now do you have ubuntu installed on it right now or no? Dual booting? If you are and can still get into Ubuntu then you should be able to just use either command line or disk managment software in the settings to erase the drive and/or recover files.

if you are trying to just reinstall it and it isn't seeing the drive then you may have an issue with either the HDD or a Driver issue (Which linux is usually really good about).

So give me some more info here lol

 

[Pendejo0]

Linux isn't installed yet. The hdd doesn't show up at all, in the command line, disk management, or installer.

I was looking for a somewhat cheap SSD, something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009GG06F8/ref=psdcmw_1292116011_t2_B00A1ZTZOG

This will definitely work with my laptop/linux? When I install it, will my bios automatically show it or do I need drivers first?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Pendejo0]

If it's possible to fix my current hard drive, that would be great. I don't know where to begin though, without windows and it not being detected by linux.

 

[drtweak]

For windows do you get a blue screen of death or no?

 

[Pendejo0]

I did get a couple BSOD when windows was working. Now it just takes me straight to windows system restore.

 

[drtweak]

Mash the F8 key on startup. Then select the disable automatic restart on system failure. see if you can get it to blue screen. if you can it is most likely a Stop Code 0x0000007B

 

[Pendejo0]

I haven't been able to get the BSOD. I can access a command terminal, so maybe that will be useful?

I'm getting close to ordering that SSD. Unless you think I should go with a different one. I miss my laptop!

 

[drtweak]

You can do safe mode with command prompt just fine? or is it something else?

you can get that SSD. Its not as big of a brand but i do hear some good things about it. Not too up on all the different SSD makes and model.

Sounds one of those issues where i wish i had the laptop in front of me haha the thing is though not 100% if a new SSD would allow you to install linux or not.

 

[Pendejo0]

There's a command prompt option at the windows restore screen.

So, when I install the SDD, what should I do once I turn my laptop on? Will the SATA options in the bios be the same as I left them?

 

[Pendejo0]

I wonder if it's a waste to get an SSD. I'm not sure if my laptop can use SATA 3, so maybe not worth it?

What about a cheap hdd like this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AAKF8F2/ref=mp_s_a_1_56?qid=1438799211&sr=1-56&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011%2Cp_n_feature_keywords_three_browse-bin%3A4990425011&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=hard+drive

The RPM on that is 5400, compared to the 7200 my current one is. It should still be compatible though, right?

Buying hardware is so stressful!

 

[drtweak]

Ah ok yea. The restore screen probably won't get you get very far. Never works right for me.

And yes it will. I suggest setting it to AHCI and leaving it there.

 

[Pendejo0]

Ok, thanks very much for all the help.

Any thoughts on that HDD I just posted? About to pull the trigger

 

[drtweak]

I've heard of the brand. They are on the low end side and aren't as big but I haven't heard anything bad about them.